A stay of execution
noun
A delay in the carrying out of a punishment, usually a death sentence.
The prisoner was granted a stay of execution while new evidence was examined.

Often appears as...
- grant a stay of execution
- temporary stay of execution
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
noun
A delay or suspension of some action.
The failing company was given a stay of execution when they were granted a large loan.

Often appears as...
- grant a stay of execution
- temporary stay of execution
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
A delay in the carrying out of a punishment, usually a death sentence.
The prisoner was granted a stay of execution while new evidence was examined.

Often appears as...
- grant a stay of execution
- temporary stay of execution
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
noun
A delay or suspension of some action.
The failing company was given a stay of execution when they were granted a large loan.

Often appears as...
- grant a stay of execution
- temporary stay of execution
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Temporary Relief
The phrase is often used when a death sentence is delayed, offering temporary relief to the concerned parties.

The family experienced a mix of emotions when they heard of the stay of execution.
Legal Procedure
This term is typically used in a legal context and involves formal legal procedures or appeals.

After the appeal, the judge granted a stay of execution pending further investigation.
Not a Pardon
A stay of execution is a delay, not a cancellation of the sentence. The punishment may still occur later.

Despite the stay of execution, the convict's future remained uncertain.
Temporary Relief
The phrase is often used when a death sentence is delayed, offering temporary relief to the concerned parties.

The family experienced a mix of emotions when they heard of the stay of execution.
Legal Procedure
This term is typically used in a legal context and involves formal legal procedures or appeals.

After the appeal, the judge granted a stay of execution pending further investigation.
Not a Pardon
A stay of execution is a delay, not a cancellation of the sentence. The punishment may still occur later.

Despite the stay of execution, the convict's future remained uncertain.
Temporary Relief
The phrase is often used when a death sentence is delayed, offering temporary relief to the concerned parties.

The family experienced a mix of emotions when they heard of the stay of execution.
Legal Procedure
This term is typically used in a legal context and involves formal legal procedures or appeals.

After the appeal, the judge granted a stay of execution pending further investigation.
Not a Pardon
A stay of execution is a delay, not a cancellation of the sentence. The punishment may still occur later.

Despite the stay of execution, the convict's future remained uncertain.
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